Roster changes for 2011

[Fencer]

Kicker, punter, and long snapper aside, the roster projection for 2011 before changes would be something like what's bolded below. That said:

QB -- Brady, Hoyer. I think this position is set.

RB (Feature/Bruiser/FB) -- BJGE, ? ?. Even if they try to bring Taylor back, they need bodies here.

RB (Passing sets) -- Woodhead, Faulk? I think Faulk will be kept. This is a major position for the Pats; also, leadership counts.

TE -- Hernandez, Gronkowski, Crumpler. I think this position is set.

WR -- Welker, Branch, Tate?, Edelman?, Price?, Slater? A lot of the young guys remain unproven. But do you address that by bringing in yet another young guy?

OL -- Light?, Mankins?, Koppen?, Neal?, Vollmer, Kaczur, Connolly, ?, ? Honestly, I've come to realize that I don't have much in the way of opinions about OL personnel. But as guys age, this is an area where new blood will be needed soon.

Total offense -- 25


CB -- Bodden, McCourty, Butler?, Wilhite?, Arrington? Frustrating as that is, I expect a rookie CB or two in camp.

S -- Chung, Sanders, Meriweather, Brown/Page/McGowan/Lockett. I think this position is set.

ILB -- Mayo, Spikes, Guyton, Fletcher?, White. I think that in BB's opinion this position is set. I infer that in part from McKensie's release.

OLB -- Cunningham, TBC, Ninkovich, Woods? I think that in BB's opinion this position is set. I infer that in part from the Crable/Woods exchange. But clearly Woods could be upgraded.

DL -- Wilfork, T. Warren, G. Warren, Wright, Brace, Deaderick, Pryor/Love? Tough call. One could argue that there are already enough DL players inhouse. But if I'm right that OLB, ILB, and S won't be upgraded -- and if we note that the defense could certainly play a lot better than it has been -- then I bet BB will take a shot at finding another beast for DL.

Total defense -- 25

What's confusing about this kind of analysis is that the offense is aging but playing really well this year, while the defense is young but having its troubles. Age suggests that the offense needs more new blood. Performance suggests that the defense does.

 

[ALP]

lets see....

i think one of the biggest pieces that we could add to this defense for next year is a coverage/free safety to replace meriweather

i really hate myself for saying that, because he is NOT horrible, and is i would say above average on most weeks, and because i loved when we drafted him

BUT, the guy is TOO inconsistent, NOT a leader, doesn't seem to be a PATRIOT type player, and has been with us long enough where I believe he should be playing better

the problem is a new guy would take time to get used to this D, but even so, i believe even this year, if the defense had a free safety to rival chung's production and play at strong safety, that our defense would be leap years better than it is....


just saying, S would be my #1 defensive need going into the draft and i have no idea how good the safeties from this draft might be

 

[RayClay]

Kicker, punter, and long snapper aside, the roster projection for 2011 before changes would be something like what's bolded below. That said:

QB -- Brady, Hoyer. I think this position is set.

RB (Feature/Bruiser/FB) -- BJGE, ? ?. Even if they try to bring Taylor back, they need bodies here.

RB (Passing sets) -- Woodhead, Faulk? I think Faulk will be kept. This is a major position for the Pats; also, leadership counts.

TE -- Hernandez, Gronkowski, Crumpler. I think this position is set.

WR -- Welker, Branch, Tate?, Edelman?, Price?, Slater? A lot of the young guys remain unproven. But do you address that by bringing in yet another young guy?

OL -- Light?, Mankins?, Koppen?, Neal?, Vollmer, Kaczur, Connolly, ?, ? Honestly, I've come to realize that I don't have much in the way of opinions about OL personnel. But as guys age, this is an area where new blood will be needed soon.

Total offense -- 25




CB -- Bodden, McCourty, Butler?, Wilhite?, Arrington? Frustrating as that is, I expect a rookie CB or two in camp.

S -- Chung, Sanders, Meriweather, Brown/Page/McGowan/Lockett. I think this position is set.

ILB -- Mayo, Spikes, Guyton, Fletcher?, White. I think that in BB's opinion this position is set. I infer that in part from McKensie's release.

OLB -- Cunningham, TBC, Ninkovich, Woods? I think that in BB's opinion this position is set. I infer that in part from the Crable/Woods exchange. But clearly Woods could be upgraded.

DL -- Wilfork, T. Warren, G. Warren, Wright, Brace, Deaderick, Pryor/Love? Tough call. One could argue that there are already enough DL players inhouse. But if I'm right that OLB, ILB, and S won't be upgraded -- and if we note that the defense could certainly play a lot better than it has been -- then I bet BB will take a shot at finding another beast for DL.

Total defense -- 25

What's confusing about this kind of analysis is that the offense is aging but playing really well this year, while the defense is young but having its troubles. Age suggests that the offense needs more new blood. Performance suggests that the defense does.

Hate to be mean, but running back is a young man's position. BJ, Woody and new blood completely. You think they have room for Woody and Faulk? I don't. I could see a bruiser and a more complete back.
\
WR - Draft pick, vet? Whatever works. Tate on the hot seat.

OL - Vollmer to left tackle, draft picks. Don't care about the rest.

OLB If they can improve OLB/pass rusher, why not?

DL - one top pick DE - any help available, otherwise. Lardass for backup NT welcome anytime, from anywhere.

S - I would draft a safety, if it's good value. You can get bargains here. I don't feel secure here because all our safeties have weak areas. One complete guy makes it secure for years. Maybe a FA.

CB - stock the pond. Hopefully McCourty, Bodden will be killer, but we know enough not to count on health here. gives us the luxury to go more specialist/lower round. Let's stock up, we've got the picks.

ILB - set? Yeah, except ambitious training campers.

 

[SONS_OF_BELICHICK]

I think they will be looking for 3 areas:

Running back, Outside LB, and OL.

RB:
They are going to keep BJGE and Woody. A speedy-home run hitting back would compliment them. I also see them keeping 2 of them : faulk, taylor, or sammy morris.

OLB:
We need a speed rusher from the other side. Cunningham is going to make huge strides but ...TBC is ok at best.

OL:
Stephen Neal is going to retire and they will need replacement for Matt Light as he has lost a step....and don't forget Mankins

 

[102 Pat]

I'll go on the record and say that Chad Johnson will be here next year, he's owed a lot of money for next year and I'd be shocked if Lewis isn't fired, and the new coach cleans house.

 

[convertedpatsfan]

I'd expect the OL and DL to get at least one new player, and the OL could use a few.

When you talk about the offense's age, we're talking mostly about guys like Koppen and Light and Neal, guys who might play another year or two but are clearly on the decline stage of their careers. Connolly can fill in for Neal, but you'll need a tackle and center soon.

I think the DL is solid but unspectacular, and this year's draft is apparently rich with 3-4 DEs, so it'd be an ideal time to draft one and get good value at that spot.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

In no particular order:

1. HB (either a low draft pick and/or a bargain FA to replace Taylor/Morris. No major moves, I like the backfield as it is now, just with more depth that won't be injured all the time)
2. C - either to immediately step in for Koppen or depth/eventual replacement. It's time to prepare IMO.
4. LT/RT - even if Light is resigned and Kaczur comes back solid, I'd still like one more option there for depth or to replace Light eventually over Kaczur.
5. DE - Still would like an all around type force like Seymour. May not find it but definitely worth a high draft pick. At worst, can't have enough depth here.
6. OLB - Again, I'd like another all around type player. If not, take just take Woods spot
7. OG if Mankins isn't resigned. Not sure what Connolly's contract situation is but hope he's here for the long term.
8. WR

With 8 picks in the first 4 rounds alone the team's in really good shape here.

 

[JSn]

I'm just glad for an extended Woody.

 

[Armchair Quarterback]

lets see....

i think one of the biggest pieces that we could add to this defense for next year is a coverage/free safety to replace meriweather

i really hate myself for saying that, because he is NOT horrible, and is i would say above average on most weeks, and because i loved when we drafted him

BUT, the guy is TOO inconsistent, NOT a leader, doesn't seem to be a PATRIOT type player, and has been with us long enough where I believe he should be playing better

the problem is a new guy would take time to get used to this D, but even so, i believe even this year, if the defense had a free safety to rival chung's production and play at strong safety, that our defense would be leap years better than it is....


just saying, S would be my #1 defensive need going into the draft and i have no idea how good the safeties from this draft might be

I agree, I liked when we drafted him but he must be driving Belichick crazy with his freelancing and bad tackling.

 

[mgteich]

I agree with almost allyour projections.

SOME THOUGHTS

OFFENSE

Yes, we will bring in the usual assortment of running backs and wide receivers. Tate or Price might be the answer at flanker or not. We'll find a free agent running back or two, and a draftee. The filling of positions at WR and RB is business as usual.

The real challenge (and the only real challenge) is on the offensive line. Potnetiall, We have a real mess. One can HOPE that Kaczur is back at near 100% of his capability. We have Vollmer and Connolly coming back. Personally, I think Koppen is a lock for another season.

DEFENSE
I don't think G. Warren is a lock to come back, although I support his coming back. I expect to draft at least one front seven player in the first couple of rounds (actually in the first round). Corner is a continuing opportunity for upgrade. It really isn't reasonable to have corners who aren't solid at the nickel and dime positions.

BOTTOM LINE
The situations on the OL will be the focus of the offseason.
We have the obvious needs at RB, CB and WR.
We have an opportunity to draft a stud or two in the front seven.

We are in great shape for 2011. We might need to use 3 top picks on the OL. My strong preference is to re-sign Light and Mankins.

Kicker, punter, and long snapper aside, the roster projection for 2011 before changes would be something like what's bolded below. That said:

QB -- Brady, Hoyer. I think this position is set.

RB (Feature/Bruiser/FB) -- BJGE, ? ?. Even if they try to bring Taylor back, they need bodies here.

RB (Passing sets) -- Woodhead, Faulk? I think Faulk will be kept. This is a major position for the Pats; also, leadership counts.

TE -- Hernandez, Gronkowski, Crumpler. I think this position is set.

WR -- Welker, Branch, Tate?, Edelman?, Price?, Slater? A lot of the young guys remain unproven. But do you address that by bringing in yet another young guy?

OL -- Light?, Mankins?, Koppen?, Neal?, Vollmer, Kaczur, Connolly, ?, ? Honestly, I've come to realize that I don't have much in the way of opinions about OL personnel. But as guys age, this is an area where new blood will be needed soon.

Total offense -- 25


CB -- Bodden, McCourty, Butler?, Wilhite?, Arrington? Frustrating as that is, I expect a rookie CB or two in camp.

S -- Chung, Sanders, Meriweather, Brown/Page/McGowan/Lockett. I think this position is set.

ILB -- Mayo, Spikes, Guyton, Fletcher?, White. I think that in BB's opinion this position is set. I infer that in part from McKensie's release.

OLB -- Cunningham, TBC, Ninkovich, Woods? I think that in BB's opinion this position is set. I infer that in part from the Crable/Woods exchange. But clearly Woods could be upgraded.

DL -- Wilfork, T. Warren, G. Warren, Wright, Brace, Deaderick, Pryor/Love? Tough call. One could argue that there are already enough DL players inhouse. But if I'm right that OLB, ILB, and S won't be upgraded -- and if we note that the defense could certainly play a lot better than it has been -- then I bet BB will take a shot at finding another beast for DL.

Total defense -- 25

What's confusing about this kind of analysis is that the offense is aging but playing really well this year, while the defense is young but having its troubles. Age suggests that the offense needs more new blood. Performance suggests that the defense does.

 

[Water Boy]

lets see....

i think one of the biggest pieces that we could add to this defense for next year is a coverage/free safety to replace meriweather

i really hate myself for saying that, because he is NOT horrible, and is i would say above average on most weeks, and because i loved when we drafted him

BUT, the guy is TOO inconsistent, NOT a leader, doesn't seem to be a PATRIOT type player, and has been with us long enough where I believe he should be playing better

the problem is a new guy would take time to get used to this D, but even so, i believe even this year, if the defense had a free safety to rival chung's production and play at strong safety, that our defense would be leap years better than it is....


just saying, S would be my #1 defensive need going into the draft and i have no idea how good the safeties from this draft might be

I think Merriweather has one more year left on his contract. Yes he lacks consistency and discipline, but you can't overlook his physical skills and the tenacity he gives the defense. He's one of the hardest hitting safeties in the league and his speed on the field is tremendous.

I wouldn't break the bank for him by any means, but if BB can sign him to a reasonable contract, I think I'd have to consider it.

 

[zipster9]

Hate to be mean, but running back is a young man's position. BJ, Woody and new blood completely. You think they have room for Woody and Faulk? I don't. I could see a bruiser and a more complete back.
\
WR - Draft pick, vet? Whatever works. Tate on the hot seat.

OL - Vollmer to left tackle, draft picks. Don't care about the rest.

OLB If they can improve OLB/pass rusher, why not?

DL - one top pick DE - any help available, otherwise. Lardass for backup NT welcome anytime, from anywhere.

S - I would draft a safety, if it's good value. You can get bargains here. I don't feel secure here because all our safeties have weak areas. One complete guy makes it secure for years. Maybe a FA.

CB - stock the pond. Hopefully McCourty, Bodden will be killer, but we know enough not to count on health here. gives us the luxury to go more specialist/lower round. Let's stock up, we've got the picks.

ILB - set? Yeah, except ambitious training campers.

2011 Prospects:

1. Jake Locker QB Washington
Rare prospect with an elite blend of physical tools and intangibles.
2. Prince Amukamara CB Nebraska
Possesses an ideal blend of size and speed as well as fluid hips.
3. Adrian Clayborn DE Iowa
Plays both the run and pass effectively and has a non-stop motor.
4. Cameron Heyward DE Ohio St.
Son of "Ironhead" is a prototypical five-technique in an odd front.
5. Allen Bailey DE Miami (FL)
Physical marvel with a freakish blend of size, speed and strength.
6. Cameron Jordan DE California
Possesses terrific size and offers positional / schematic versatility.
7. Anthony Castonzo OT Boston College
Steady blocker with solid physical tools and top-notch intangibles.
8. Von Miller OLB Texas A&M
Uses speed and athleticism to terrorize opponents off the edge.
9. Marcus Cannon OG T.C.U.
Massive road grader who could project to either tackle or guard.
10. Greg Romeus DE Pittsburgh
Fantastic athlete and a productive pass rusher with major upside.
11. Stephen Paea DT Oregon St.
Utilizes quickness and amazing strength to penetrate backfields.
12. Stefen Wisniewski C Penn St.
Experienced, technically sound and versatile with pro bloodlines.
13. Bruce Carter OLB North Carolina
Rangy athlete with great speed and a special teams ace to boot.
14. Ryan Kerrigan DE Purdue
Makes up for ordinary physical tools with hard work and tenacity.
15. Derek Sherrod OT Mississippi St.
Smooth, well - rounded blocker with the ability to play left tackle.
16. Marvin Austin DT North Carolina
Underachiever with some maturity issues but is a big-time talent.
17. Rodney Hudson OG Florida St.
Athletic and versatile but lacks the height and bulk you'd prefer.
18. Jerrell Powe DT Ole Miss
Classic nose tackle excels at occupying blockers, stuffing the run.
19. Mark Herzlich OLB Boston College
Status is clouded by medical issues but a top prospect if healthy.
20. Ras-I Dowling CB Virginia
Lanky, physical cover guy with decent speed and terrific ball skills.
21. Quan Sturdivant ILB North Carolina
Won't wow with physical tools but is tough, smart and instinctive.
22. Curtis Brown CB Texas
Tall, physical, fluid cover guy with good speed and great instincts.
23. DeMarcus Love OT Arkansas
Fits the mold physically and is effective as a run and pass blocker.
24. Nate Solder OT Colorado
Athletic former tight end is a top pass protector with nimble feet.
25. Ben Ijalana OG Villanova
Powerful, thick small school gem with long arms and large hands.
26. Greg Jones ILB Michigan St.
Athletic with nice speed and range and can play inside or outside.
27. Christian Ballard DT Iowa
Developing talent but boasts terrific physical tools and versatility.
28. Dontay Moch OLB Nevada
Undersized but a super productive pass rusher with 4.25 speed.
29. Jimmy Smith CB Colorado
Has the physical tools you want but doesn't always play to them.
30. Gabe Carimi OT Wisconsin
Battle tested blocker with excellent size but struggles with speed.
31. Christian Ponder QB Florida St.
Adequate, although not special, physical tools but top intangibles.
32. Deunta Williams S North Carolina
Smart, instinctive ballhawk with a knack for making the big play.

 

[SirApropos]

Meriweather does have one year left on his deal. With McGowan coming off IR along with several other Safety options, I think if they get to the start of Day 2 in the 2011 draft and find a FS they like Meriweather has the potential to be traded to someone like the Broncos for a 2012 pick since this will likely be Brian Dawkins last year there and they will need help at FS.

 

[cstjohn17]

This is my attempt at rating the 2011 roster (based on signed players).
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0ApWRaF25BKdAdHV6ZXlIMnNBQ3FNQXNhc0IweWJ6bUE&hl=en

 

[WhiZa]

I think Faulk will come back. He is still a cheap weapon even with the emergence of Woodhead. Morris will also come back as a FB/STer. We need to draft another running back who is an upgrade over BGJE. As much as we love the guy, he just isn't the long term option at starter.

At WR, I think we will keep the same crew next year. Branch might get a more reasonable contract extension.

At OL, Light and Mankins are FAs, and Light should be resigned easily. Mankins will probably go elsewhere as there is less need to resign him with Neal, Connolly and Kazcur still around.

OLB I could see us spending some money in FA next year at this position. We spend a year getting the most out the least talented position on the roster. It's time we added some depth. Though I feel like we say this every year

At DL we are good. I would like to see G Warren brought back for depth and he seems to be happy here.

DB, TE, ILB, and QB are all pretty much set. With 6 picks in the first 3 rounds I don't see many holes to fill meaning I hope we continue to trade down this draft.

 

[JoeSixPat]

I think Faulk will come back. He is still a cheap weapon even with the emergence of Woodhead. Morris will also come back as a FB/STer. We need to draft another running back who is an upgrade over BGJE. As much as we love the guy, he just isn't the long term option at starter.

At WR, I think we will keep the same crew next year. Branch might get a more reasonable contract extension.

At OL, Light and Mankins are FAs, and Light should be resigned easily. Mankins will probably go elsewhere as there is less need to resign him with Neal, Connolly and Kazcur still around.

OLB I could see us spending some money in FA next year at this position. We spend a year getting the most out the least talented position on the roster. It's time we added some depth. Though I feel like we say this every year

At DL we are good. I would like to see G Warren brought back for depth and he seems to be happy here.

DB, TE, ILB, and QB are all pretty much set. With 6 picks in the first 3 rounds I don't see many holes to fill meaning I hope we continue to trade down this draft.

I figure Mankins is gone but with 1st round OL usually are a good risk... you can just never have enough quality OL depth IMO... I think Light knows what he is and will sign for a reasonable offer... when OL go, they go quick, especially LT - so you always want a guy waiting in the wings.

The offense right now is interesting - no real Deep WR in a classic sense but this offense is really one to keep defenses off their guard... still if there's a good opportunity to bring in a deep threat in the offseason I think Belichick does it... tall, fast deep WRs are still a great weapon and I'm sure Brady would love to have one